A routine weekday ride turned ugly in Queens when a 65-year-old man was punched in the face while boarding a Q14 MTA bus at 14 Avenue and 150 Street in the 109th Precinct last Wednesday at about 4 p.m., according to police. The attacker walked up as the man was getting on, hit him, then took off on foot. Authorities have put out a wanted notice and say a cash reward is available for information that leads to an arrest.
What police say
In a post from NYPD Crime Stoppers, investigators say the assault happened as the 65-year-old victim was stepping onto the Q14. The suspect “approached and punched the victim in the face” before running off on foot, the bulletin states.
The incident is listed inside the 109th Precinct. Crime Stoppers is offering up to $3,500 for tips that lead to an arrest and indictment in the case.
Where this happened
The Q14 is an MTA local bus route running across Queens, according to MTA Bus Time. The intersection flagged in the wanted notice falls within the 109th Precinct.
Busy bus stops often provide potential witnesses and surveillance video that can help pinpoint a suspect, but so far detectives have not released any additional identifying details beyond what appears in the wanted notice.
How to report tips
Anyone with information is urged to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers. Tips can be submitted anonymously through the online portal or by calling 1-800-577-TIPS (1-800-577-8477). The group’s X account, @NYPDTips, also posted the wanted notice on March 2.
Information that leads to an arrest and indictment may qualify for the reward described in the Crime Stoppers bulletin.
Rider safety
Transit officials and police advise that riders who see threatening or violent behavior should alert the bus operator, move to a safer part of the vehicle when possible, and call 911 if there is an immediate danger. If you safely capture video or photos, hold onto the footage and share it with investigators, as those images often play a key role in tracking down suspects.
Police say the investigation into the Q14 assault is ongoing and again stressed that tips can be provided anonymously and may be eligible for the cash reward.
